Prince - Purple Rain: Rock Classics

In a year containing groundbreaking releases from the likes of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, and Van Halen, 1984 also saw Prince return bigger and bolder than ever. Not content with solely focusing on the lead acting role in his semi-autobiographical movie, Prince worked overtime on a set of songs for the accompanying soundtrack album, and the results were there for all to see upon the unveiling of the masterpiece that was Purple Rain. Arriving at a time of significant world change, and with his eccentric and talented backing band - The Revolution - in tow, Prince’s rise to superstardom was cemented with a set of delicious dancefloor hymns. These included the power ballad of all power ballads, a lead single void of customary songwriting traditions; and a track so controversial that it brought about the establishment of the PMRC, and the creation of the ’Parental Advisory’ label. Purple Rain celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, and this book digs deeper into the writing and recording process of the diamond-certified album. Also discussing the stories behind the songs, and the host of B-sides to have followed over the years, this book also pays tribute to Prince - the inimitable mastermind behind the entire Purple Rain project. Oh, no, let’s go!

Matt Karpe is an author based in Cambridgeshire, UK. Purple Rain is his tenth book.